Upcoming Workshop will Help Farmers Navigate Federal Labor Laws

Like all employers, farm businesses must comply with federal payroll requirements. In an effort to help farmers navigate the intricacies of these regulations, the Agency of Agriculture is hosting a workshop that will provide federal payroll training for farmers.

When: April 4, 2014 8:30am-12:30 pm

Where: Vermont State House, Room 11, Montpelier

RSVP: to Louise Waterman at 802-828-6900 or Louise.Waterman@state.vt.us

Federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act have been a hot topic in recent months, as farmers around New England have been facing increased enforcement of labor regulations. Several local farms have faced heavy fines for inadvertent violations to these laws, sparking debate about the details of these laws and how they are being interpreted. Daniel Cronin and Christopher Mills of the U.S. Dept. of Labor will tease apart some of the nuances of these laws and explain how they are being enforced by the Dept. of Labor. In particular, they will explain where the line is currently drawn between types of farm work that are and aren’t exempt from the laws’ provisions.

For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Louise Waterman at 802-828-6900 or Louise.Waterman@state.vt.us

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About the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets: VAAFM facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.